The ground cracked under the weight of their clash.
Fire and wind roared together, throwing sparks into the night air as Arden's shield locked against the elder's gale wrapped blade.
The shockwave rattled the plaza, stone fragments bouncing across the ground.
The elder's eyes narrowed, his voice sharp. "Do you even know what you're doing, boy?"
Arden pressed forward, muscles straining but his grin steady. "Yeah. Beating the mask off your face."
The elder's blade twisted, wind screaming as he swung.
Arden ducked, sliding under, and flames burst from his palm. FWOOSH! Fire spears shot upward, grazing the elder's robe as he flipped back.
Gasps rang from the crowd. T
he other elders shifted uneasily.
"Lord, why do you allow this madness? Arden dares raise his blade against one of us!"
The Lord's hand rose sharply, his gaze locked on the fight. "None of you interfere." His tone carried iron. "Watch closely."
The battle scaled quickly.
